Sanjay Bangar picks Team India’s all-time T20 XI ahead of New Zealand series; names Virat Kohli as captain

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Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has stirred discussion ahead of Team India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand by unveiling his all-time India T20 XI. Speaking during a segment on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar picked a star-studded lineup drawn from players he believes best define India’s success and adaptability in the shortest format, with Virat Kohli named as captain.

The announcement comes shortly after New Zealand clinched the ODI series against India, sealing the decider at Indore on Sunday. With attention now shifting firmly to T20 cricket, the series opener is scheduled for January 21 in Nagpur, making Bangar’s selections especially topical as debates around India’s T20 legacy resurface.

Bangar’s XI blends experience, match-winning pedigree, and versatility, reflecting how India’s T20 approach has evolved over the years. From explosive openers to seasoned all-rounders and a varied bowling attack, the former coach emphasized balance as the key theme behind his picks.

While the squad features several players no longer active in T20Is, Bangar made it clear that past impact, consistency, and ability to influence big moments were the defining criteria.

Despite stepping away from T20 internationals, Kohli remains central to Bangar’s vision. The former India skipper has been chosen not only as an opener but also as the captain of the side. Bangar highlighted Kohli’s unmatched consistency, adaptability across conditions, and leadership qualities as reasons for handing him the armband.

Kohli’s opening partner in the XI is Shubman Gill, India’s current batting poster boy. Interestingly, Gill is not part of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series and is also absent from the plans for the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, Bangar backed Gill’s technique and temperament as ideal traits for the top order in an all-time setup.

Behind the openers, KL Rahul slots in as the designated wicketkeeper-batter, offering flexibility and experience at the top and middle order.

The middle order is headlined by Yuvraj Singh, whose legacy in T20 cricket is firmly etched in Indian folklore. Yuvraj played a defining role in India’s triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, including his iconic six sixes, and Bangar acknowledged his ability to change games within a few overs.

Joining him is Suryakumar Yadav, India’s current T20I skipper and one of the most innovative batters in modern cricket. His 360-degree stroke play adds unpredictability to the lineup. Power-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube and swing-bowling option Deepak Chahar round out the all-rounders’ group, ensuring depth in both batting and bowling.

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The bowling unit reflects a blend of pace, swing, and spin. Veteran left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra leads the attack, recognized for his effectiveness in white-ball cricket and ability to strike early.

He is supported by Mohammad Shami, whose seam movement and experience make him a potent T20 option. The spin department features the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, providing variety and wicket-taking threat through the middle overs.

Sanjay Bangar’s all-time India T20 XI

Virat Kohli (c), Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Mohammad Shami, Ashish Nehra, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal.

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